The Judicial Reform Foundation (JRF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to the protection of human rights and the rule of law by reforming the judicial system in Taiwan.

Founded in 1995, the JRF has offices in both Taipei and Taichung. Through case work, campaign and advocacy, educational programs, and legal research, we have been pushing for transparency in judicial system in the name of democracy and protecting the Rule of Law.

The Judicial Reform Foundation Stands Out Among 424 Civic Organizations Worldwide, Winning the Grand Prize in the "World Justice Challenge"

The World Justice Challenge (WJC), organized by the international NGO World Justice Project, is a prestigious global competition. This year's theme, "The Rule of Law: Foundation of Democracy," focused on effective strategies for strengthening the rule of law, pushing back against authoritarianism, and restoring trust in democratic governance. The competition drew participation from 109 countries and 424 civil society organizations.

At 01:30 AM Taiwan time on August 1, the WJC held its final round in Chicago during the American Bar Association Annual Meeting, where 30 finalists competed. Ultimately, one grand prize winner was selected across each of the five core themes.

Represented by Attorney Grace Huang (Director of Global Justice and Digital Freedom), the Judicial Reform Foundation claimed the grand prize! This milestone highlights the global impact of Taiwan's civil society and demonstrates the enduring achievements of Taiwan's longest-standing judicial reform organization. Marking the 10th anniversary of the Sunflower Student Movement, this award holds profound significance as a tribute to Taiwan civil society's dedication to safeguarding the rule of law through the 318 Volunteer Lawyer Platform.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the organizers and to all partners of the Judicial Reform Foundation who cherish Taiwan and work collaboratively to uphold the democratic rule of law. The Judicial Reform Foundation will remain steadfast in its mission, hoping that Taiwan's resolve and strategies in strengthening the democratic rule of law will offer encouragement and solidarity to regional democratic allies amidst an era of authoritarian expansion.

Hong Kong– defending democracy in our neighbouring allies

Human rights activist and former Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, Barrister Chow Hang-tung, was sentenced to 15 months in prison on June 4, 2021, for promoting and calling on others to participate in the June 4th vigil online.

Subsequently, alongside the Alliance's Chairperson Lee Cheuk-yan and Vice Chairperson Albert Ho Chun-yan, she was charged with "inciting subversion of state power" and has remained detained for nearly two and a half years.

On May 28 and 29, 2024, on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, the Hong Kong National Security Department arrested human rights lawyer Chow Hang-tung, her mother, her uncle, and five other pro-democracy activists on charges of "uttering seditious words" or related sedition offenses.

The JRF promptly issued joint statements in both Chinese and English, garnering endorsements from over 20 domestic and international organizations.

In addition, screenings of the documentary *Chow Hang-tung in Prison*—co-organized with the Human Rights Committee, Public Welfare Affairs Committee, International Law Committee, Immigration Law Committee, and Judicial Reform Committee of the Taipei Bar Association, as well as the Legal Aid Foundation—have drawn support from over 400 attendees.